Definition

Radioactive iodine treatment is used to treat certain thyroid diseases and thyroid cancer. The procedure is done with a radioactive form of the element iodine. Radioactive iodine is taken up by the thyroid gland. There it treats thyroid disease by destroying the cells. The radioactivity is not spread to other parts of the body.

Pregnant women are at an increased risk of complications. The procedure may be harmful to the fetus. It should not be done in pregnant women. Nursing mothers should stop breastfeeding for at least a week after the procedure.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

If advised by your doctor, eat a special diet. Your doctor may want you on a special low iodine diet prior to the procedure. This may help your procedure to be more successful.

Talk to your doctor about your medications. Some thyroid hormone medicine should be discontinued up to 4 weeks before the procedure.
Other medications used to treat hyperthyroidism should be discontinued 5-7 days before the procedure.

For 2 hours before the procedure, do not eat or drink anything. Water may be allowed.

If you are a woman of childbearing age, the doctor will do a pregnancy test.

Description of the Procedure

You will be given some tablets or liquids that contain radioactive iodine. You will swallow the tablets. The iodine will be naturally taken up by the thyroid.

How Long Will It Take?

At least an hour

Will It Hurt?

The treatment is painless.

Postoperative Care

Any radioactive iodine that is not taken up directly by the thyroid will be passed through the urine. Be sure to follow your doctor's
instructions. This may include:

Do not eat any solid foods for at least 2 hours after treatment. Drink a lot of clear liquids, such as water or juice.

For the first 8-12 hours following treatment, use the bathroom every hour. This will help flush the excess iodine from your body.

Limit your contact with others. Do not enter a room with any infants or children. Stay at least 3 feet away from other adults. Do not stay near any other adult for more than a few minutes. Do not share a bed with anyone for 48 hours following the treatment.

Do not share any food, drink, or dishes with anyone for the first week. Do not allow your saliva to come into contact with anyone. Avoid kissing and sexual contact.

Flush the toilet twice after use.

Wash hands often and thoroughly.

Resume normal thyroid medications 48 hours after the treatment.

The majority of people who undergo the treatment for
hyperthyroidism
will have their thyroid levels return to normal within 8-12 weeks. However, in a small number of people, a second dose of radioactive iodine treatment is needed.

A follow-up visit with your doctor will be scheduled 4-6 weeks after treatment. Radioactive active iodine treatment can cause
hypothyroidism
(low thyroid function). This can occur at any time after treatment. It may be temporary or permanent. Your doctor will need to check your thyroid status every few months until levels are stable.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of these occur:

You have fever or chills

Nausea or vomiting

Excessive fatigue

Worsening pain or swelling in the neck

You are not urinating even with adequate fluid intake

Tightness in throat or trouble breathing

Numbness in your ace

Rapid pulse

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

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